March 2026
In Oregon, there are four real estate license statuses that matter to licensees: Active, Inactive, Expired, and Lapsed. (See
Understanding Your License Type.) But the Oregon Real Estate Agency often fields inquiries about putting licenses into a “referral” status.
Licensees inquiring about a “referral” status are not actively working directly with clients, but they still want to receive a fee for referring a client to another licensee.
Receiving a referral fee is considered professional real estate activity as defined under ORS 696.010. A real estate license must be in Active status with the Agency, including being associated with a registered real estate business, to receive referral fees.
Some brokerages have chosen to open separate affiliate or subsidiary registered businesses strictly for referral activity. The Oregon Real Estate Agency does not differentiate these businesses. All registered businesses must comply with the same laws and rules.
Licensees with these businesses should be aware that their license status is Active. Active status carries obligations, such as continuing education, regardless of the volume or type of activity a licensee or their brokerage chooses to pursue.
Licensees with questions about their license status or obligations are encouraged to consult with their managing principal broker or contact the Agency at
orea.info@rea.oregon.gov.